Prelims: Current events of national and international importance | Environment
Why in News?
Recently, the district administration of Ernakulam (Kerala), advanced a unique initiative to select official district-level species (flora, fauna, bird, and fish).
- The rare Periyar Cow and the indigenous Mulavoor Koorka, highlighting grassroots biodiversity conservation and indigenous breed preservation.
Key Contenders
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Candidate Species
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Local Name / Scientific Identity
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Key Characteristics
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1. Periyar Cow
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Indigenous Cattle Breed (Bos indicus)
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- A hardy, disease-resistant native cattle strain traditionally bred and maintained in central Kerala.
- Known for adaptability to local tropical weather, rugged terrain, and minimal maintenance feed requirements compared to exotic dairy breeds.
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2. Mulavoor Koorka
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Chinese Potato (Plectranthus rotundifolius)
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- An indigenous root vegetable variety originating from Mulavoor (near Muvattupuzha in Ernakulam district).
- Celebrated for its unique aroma, culinary texture, and deep regional agricultural heritage.
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Significance
- It follows the precedent of state-level animal and plant symbols (such as Kerala's state elephant and state tree), designating district-level biological symbols.
- It fosters a sense of local ownership and community-led conservation under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002.
- Highlights the critical need to document and protect indigenous crop landraces (Mulavoor Koorka) and indigenous livestock breeds (Periyar Cow) against genetic erosion and commercial monoculture.
Reference
The Hindu | Ernakulam’s official species
